Shahabad fort, Baran, Rajasthan India

 The Shahabad fort and mosque enlists itself in the list of popular excursions from Kota in its own right. This majestic fort and mosque near Kota in the Baran district of Rajasthan. It is situated at a distance of 160 km from Kota and 80 km from the main town of Baran, in the city of Shahabad.

Conceived and constructed under the instructions of Vanshi Dhandhel Rajput Mukutmani Dev, the fort was built in 1577 AD, during the reign of Aurangzeb. Mukutmani Dev, the son of Pratap Rudra and Rani Parihariji of the Chauhan dynasty constructed this fort in the Hadoti region and the fort ranks as one of the strongest forts in Rajasthan. Wedged in a landscape of high mountain ranges, the fort now lies surrounded by water bodies and steep rocks. The well equipped artillery and some temples from the majestic era of royalty still lives. The fort is also believed to have 18 cannons one of which is believed to have been 19 feet long. It is one of the best and strongest fort amongst the forts in Hadoti area. It is situated about 80 km. from Baran.

The fort was constructed by the Chauhan Vanshi Dhandhel Rajput Mukutmani Dev in the century 1521 (1577). This is situated in the dense forest area on the high mountain ranges.The fort is surrounded by Kundakoh Valley on two sides and third & fourth sides are surrounded by Ponds and high rocks respectively.

The Shahabad mosque or Shahi Jama Masjid or the royal mosque is also situated within the vicinity in the Shahabad city. The mosque has a white facade and the interior is beautifully patterned. The pillars of Shahabad mosque are adorned beautifully. The Mehrab showing the direction of holy Kaaba that a Muslim should face while praying, is ornately decorated and deserves special mention.

The Shahabad fort and mosque is easily accessible from the city of Kota by buses and railway. Car rentals are also available and are more comfortable for this excursion from Kota.